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Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatology

Treatment for Hand Skin Eczema Indianapolis & Carmel IN

People who suffer from dry, scaly and painful skin on their hands (hand eczema) and are interested in treatment and/or diagnosis, are seen by Turkle & Associates board certified dermatologist, Dr. Matt Strausburg.

We invite you to continue reading for frequently asked questions and more information about hand eczema and how we can help.

What is Hand Eczema?

Hand eczema is dry, scaly and painful inflammation on the skin of the hands leading to a rash.

These rashes can be very extensive and can often interfere with normal daily activities. It causes discomfort and embarrassment and can be very devastating.

What Does Hand Eczema Look Like?

Hand eczema rashes are extremely common and often start with dry, chapped hands that later become scaly, red, and inflamed. Very painful cracks and fissures may develop especially in the joint creases and around the fingertips.

The backs of the hands often become red, swollen and tender. The palms are often a red, smooth, shiny surface that split and crack with the slightest trauma.

Who Gets Hand Eczema?

There is often a family tendency to develop hand eczema.

Other people at risk include those who have a history of persistent, whole body eczema, those with dry, itchy skin, or those with a history of widespread atopic dermatitis (eczema) as a child.

Many people with hand eczema also have a history of hay fever or asthma, or may have food allergies as well.

How is Hand Eczema Treated?

Most often, a combination of treatments may be needed for hand eczema as follows:

Oral antibiotics or antifungal medicines may be prescribed if an infection is present.
Medicated ointments or creams may be given.

Most importantly, though is to protect the hands from irritations.

Keep these tips in mind:

Wash your hands as infrequently as possible using a very mild soap, or even using only lukewarm water.

When washing, remove rings as they may trap soap and water against your skin.

Immediately after washing your hands, moisturize them with your Vaseline or the moisturizer recommended by your dermatologist.

Shampoo wearing rubber gloves or have someone else do it for you.

Avoid direct contact with any cleaners or detergents. Use an automatic dishwasher whenever possible.

Protect hands with gloves as much as possible. Wear white cotton gloves and cover with rubber gloves when cleaning. Buy multiple pairs of cotton gloves and change them often.

Often a topical steroid will be prescribed. Apply the prescribed steroid or cream as directed, 2-3 times per day to the abnormal skin. Apply when hands are well hydrated after a bath or shower, then cover with cotton gloves overnight.

Moisturizing is also important. Suggested moisturizers include: Vaseline Creamy, Keri, Neutrogena, Moisturel, Eucerin, Cetaphil, as well as ointments such as Aquaphor and Petrolatum (Vaseline).

The thicker the product, the better the moisturizer. Apply moisturizer frequently to moist skin.

What Causes Hand Eczema?

Usually the cause of hand eczema is either an externally triggered contact rash, or an internally generated skin reaction. Often there is repeated contact with a particular skin irritant that is causing one of these two things to occur.

Common skin irritants include:

Soaps and detergents, especially any with fragrances

Water, particularly very hot water with prolonged skin contact and repeated hand washing

All cleaning supplies

Petroleum products such as gasoline, oil, grease

Certain foods such as raw meat or citrus fruits

Low humidity air, such as in cold weather, or contact with dry heat such as fireplaces

Bacterial or fungal infection

How is Hand Eczema Diagnosed?

To diagnose hand eczema, Dr. Strausburg may want to do tests to determine if a bacterial or fungal infection is present, or may want to test you for particular allergies.

Do You Take Insurance For Hand Eczema Treatment?

Yes, we do take insurance for hand eczema treatment. We suggest you contact your plan administrator to determine if we participate with your insurance plan.

Contact Us About Hand Eczema Treatment

If you have more questions and would like further information about hand eczema treatment, or if you are ready to schedule an appointment, contact Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatology by clicking here for our online quick-contact email form or feel free to call us at 317-848-0001.

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*Fees are approximate only and subject to physical examination and consultation. We do try to keep the fees on our website up to date, however be advised fees are subject to change without notice. Please feel free to inquire about any price changes.

Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatologys’ video content is for informational and educational purposes only. Viewing of these videos should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. As with any health concern, always seek a consultation regarding a medical condition. Any questions concerning the content of these videos may be directed to Turkle & Associates Plastic Surgery and Dermatology at drturkle@turklemd.com or 317-848-0001.

Dry, Scaly, And Painful Hand Skin & Hand was last modified: February 15th, 2018 by admin

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